My dog has a tumor.

I don't have pets anymore. I make friends with all the animals on my route. They get really upset if I go on extended leave. This mean psychotic family has a tiny black chihuahua. That dog loves me. So, they think I'm okay. That dog will go to sleep in my arms. haha

Sorry to hear that. But, and I hope this doesn't sound cynical: don't waste your money on medication or chemotherapy. Not for a dog. Better spend those dollars on saving a human being in Africa. Ethiopian children are starving by the thousands. The money you would be spending on helping your dog can easily save ten to twenty children.

I too, am really sorry to hear of your plight, and have been in the same situation myself ,with my 14-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. She was a wonderful dog, friend and companion and always seemed to understand when you told her your problems (sad I know) She, unfortunately developed cancer of her upper jawbone. My friend, who is a vet, said that he could cut away part of her jawbone or use cryo-therpy to freeze the tumour, but was a major proceedureand may not be successful. It was decided that he put her under general anaesthetic, which would give him the opportunity to assess the full extent of the problem. He said he would ring me when she was under and knew the full extent of the problem. That morning as we arrived at the surgery she gave me a knowing look, telling me that this would be the last time we would see each other for sometime. When he rang he told me that he was 99.9% sure it was cancer, but could do a biopsy which would take 7 days before the results came back, but things did not look good. She was a wonderful loving dog and a great companion to me, I could not let her down and let her go through any suffering. As pre-arranged, I asked my friend not to let her come round from the anaesthetic and to let her go peacefully. I put the phone down and cried my eyes out, but knew she had not suffered and was now at peace having had a wonderful and happy life.

I always remeber listening to another vet on the radio when ask about this situation. He replied "We have to remember that dogs and cats originate from the wild, and that any animal in the wild who is sick or frail will become natural prey to its preditors, and therefore will not suffer. By considering our own attachment and emotions, we are risking putting our pet through un-neccessary suffering, which it would not have endured in the wild.

At the end of the day you know your pet better than anyone, you will know what and when that decision has to be made.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Smartalk

I went through the same, too.

in 2001 my dog died of a tumor as well. Except that it had the tumor removed and everything seemed normal for a few days. But suddenly the tumor started spreading extremely fast once again and that time it was inoperable.

I had her for about 10 years. Still love her and keep great memories.

SS any word for us on how your dog is doing?

If I had my own home, I might get a pet. Maybe, a hamster. I liked them.

I feel your pain and helplessness. I lost my great dane a few years ago, I'd had her for ten years and she was still in good health and I awoke one morning to find her in the the late stages of this Bloated Dog Needs Immediate Medical Care
I had her to the emergency vet within 15 mins and she was dead within the hour.
First time I cried since I was a little kid and man, did I ever.

Losing a dog isn't just that, it is a companionship, a connection, memories and for me losing her was more profound than any failed relationship I've ever had.

Sorry for you, I hope things go as best they possibly can

We never had any plans to put him through chemo. The vet said it would only shrink the tumor a small amount. Anyway, we thought about trying alkaline water, but it was too advanced. Stage 3, if I remember right.
He had about 6 or 7 weeks left to live, but the vet failed to mention that almost all of it would be spent off his feet. The morning after I posted this thread, even just trying to stand up had him yowling in pain. Even just sitting up had him panting in strained exhaustion. So we put him down later that day.
The other dogs spent the whole day pacing the house trying to make sense of his absence.

And I expect you did too a bit.

I'm sorry you lost your friend, Stapled. It's a difficult thing.

Well, it was more spent helping them cope.
Though it does explain the oldest one's behavior for the past few weeks. The two had always been close, and she was always going to sit out on the back porch by herself in the middle of the night. She was suddenly separating herself from him, but always had this contemplative look in her eyes (she emulates pretty much any human facial expression you can think of). She knew he was dying and wanted to make it easier on herself.

I am sorry. It is so hard to lose one that you love.